Full Breakdown
Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi Set for August 2026 Release
7/4/2026, 3:08:52 PM
New Limited Anime Series Expands Kara’s Quest
Lucasfilm and Production I.G. will debut the eight-episode limited anime Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi on Disney+ and Hulu on August 5, 2026. The story follows Lah Kara, daughter of the galaxy’s sabersmith Lah Zhima, as she leaves home with a small Jedi-in-training fellowship to rescue her father from Jedi Hunters. It is set in a distant future where Jedi are legend.
From Shorts to Full Series
The series expands the story first introduced in the “The Ninth Jedi” short from *Star Wars: Visions* Volume 1 and its sequel “Child of Hope” from Volume 3. Lucasfilm said the new installment will pick up shortly after those shorts, launching a Star Wars: Visions banner for extended storytelling.
Production, Cast, and Episode Details
Supervising director Kenji Kamiyama, director Shunsuke Tada, and producer Hitoshi Ito lead the project, with writer Mitsuyasu Sakai and executive producers James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, Josh Rimes, Justin Leach, and Mitsuhisa Ishikawa. The English dub returns Kimiko Glenn as Kara and Simu Liu as Zhima, adding newcomers Young Mazino (Nawaam) and Chase Sui Wonders (Tafflah). The series runs eight half-hour episodes.
Themes and Narrative Direction
Kamiyama says the series explores a new Jedi definition, noting that “things aren’t always black and white, dark and light.” Ito explains Zhima opposed Kara becoming a Jedi due to the moral weight of Jedi-administered justice. Tada likens Kara’s growth to Luke Skywalker’s, while masked General Nawaam, inspired by Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader, reflects a vision of justice.
Official Statements & Responses
Lucasfilm described the series as part of a new Visions banner for longer-form stories beyond the anthology format. The studio highlighted creative freedom for the Japanese team, noting “mutual respect” and a “very, very fun experience.” Producer Ito said fans “especially liked *The Ninth Jedi*.” The creators added the series will “continue Kara’s journey” while “exploring what it means to be a Jedi or a Sith.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was very happy to hear that fans from all over the world especially liked The Ninth Jedi,” — Hitoshi Ito
- “He didn’t want his daughter Kara to be a Jedi,” said Ito, “because his understanding was that Jedi dispense justice.” — Hitoshi Ito
- “A main [theme] of The Ninth Jedi is that things aren’t always black and white, dark and light,” — Kenji Kamiyama
- “Luke was also an unknown boy and not talented in the beginning, [and] he gradually becomes a true Jedi,” — Shunsuke Tada
On-the-Ground Reports
At Anime Expo 2026, a panel with Kamiyama, Tada, and Ito premiered the trailer and key art. Attendees noted the visual style and returning voice actors from the original shorts, confirming continuity and collaborative effort.
What’s Next
The eight episodes will be released on Disney+ and Hulu after the August 5 premiere. Lucasfilm indicated the Star Wars: Visions banner will continue to support further long-form projects, suggesting additional franchise expansions beyond *The Ninth Jedi*.
